I'm a new user and I'm hoping I put this in the right category, forgive me if I haven't. I have a dog who as always been aggressive to other animals he isn't used to. It took him a little bit to get used to our other dog and two cats. He has always been protective over me... growling when the other dog walks up and such. I read that it is best not to interfere so the animals can set their dominance. I've had this dog four seven years and he has always listened, obeyed, and been a generally good dog minus the barking and pulling trying to get to strays.

Yesterday, he bit me. He had peed on the floor, he had been out less than an hour earlier. I told him to go to his room (his room is our open upstairs kitchen). He went without issues. I cleaned up the mess then went upstairs to put the mop away and saw he wasn't in the kitchen. I told him to go and he wouldn't listen. I told him again and he did. I simply walked into the kitchen to put the mop down and on my way out (I was about 3 feet away) I said "Why did you do that?" and he lunged up and tried to bite me. Out of instinct I turned to the side and put one arm up to brace myself. He didn't actually get a hold of me the first time but when I put my arm out it touched him just a hair and he flipped out and bit me badly. It wasn't quite enough to go to the hospital but definitely way more than a warning.

It's the first time in seven years he has done anything remotely aggressive to me. I don't know what to do. Today he almost bit my kitten (about 5 months old) who up until this point he hasn't even growled at her except to say "go away I'm eating" I don't know what to do. My sister and her baby are coming to move in soon. It makes me sick that serial killers can be rehabilitated and dogs put down after one bite but I'm not sure of what else to do. Does anyone have any suggestions? He has been on a pattern of acting out aggressively more and more for about a month but I didn't see the seriousness until yesterday. Any help will be much appreciated.

7 year old male - I have a feeling he isn't neutered? Agressiveness can start early and get worse with age. You have a normally obedient dog if you can tell him to go to his room!

Ditch the theory for now about letting 2 dogs sort it out. Keep him on a tight leash, no matter how sweet the other dog seems.

The problem might be pain, if he is neutered. If he isn't in the habit of peeing inside, he might have a UTI or kidney stone.

Yes, a seven year old male however he is neutered. We noticed when we first got him he was aggressive over food and treats of any kind, even if he didn't like them. I had him to the point where I was able to pet him, run my fingers in his food, and take things away from him that he wasn't supposed to eat- until yesterday.

I will drop letting them work it out then. I'm just hoping I can find out what his issue is, whether it's my fault or his, and fix it so I don't have to lose him.

What about PAIN? Dogs in pain don't always whimper or cry or shake but they might get angry just like people. As I suggested, his peeing inside might mean a painful urinary problem!

(Sorry I said 'pain, if he is neutered' - I meant a second reason to look into if he is neutered.)

I agree with Joy... if this is something that just happened, then something is causing this now. Maybe you should consider seeing a vet.

I agree with the above advice. I would take him to the vet for a checkup, find out if there's something physical going on. To me it sounds like he's in pain and bit because of that.

If not, there are ways to rehabilitate. It won't be cheap, it won't be easy, it won't be quick, but if you love this dog you at least owe it to him, and you, to try. There are many trainers that specifically deal with rehabilitating aggressive dogs, one of the most well known ones is Cesar Millan. Although I don't agree with all his methods, he is very good at rehabilitating dogs with issues. He's not the only person out there with that skill, that knowledge. Look around in your area, or better yet, write to Cesar, he often takes on cases like this free of charge, just to save the dog.

I do have to ask, how old was he when you got him? What breed is he? When was he neutered? Where did you get him from?

Dogs that display aggression in minor forms are typically ticking time bombs. Him acting aggressive towards other people and dogs can sometimes manifest into aggression towards the handler/owner.

I would suggest that you first have him checked out medically. Dogs that display strange behaviors sometimes have something wrong with them. Do a full work up, bloodwork, urinalysis and so on. That will help rule out anything that could be making him uncomfortable.

If he comes back normal, than I would suggest to seek out a behaviorist. Not an obedience trainer.. but a behaviorist. Like already stated.. fixing him isn't going to be quick or cheap.

And please.. if he has gotten to the point of where you cannot handle him, don't dump him in a shelter.